Apache Kafka - Real-time Stream Processing (Master Class) - Creating Session Windows

The lecture explains session windows, which are periods of activity followed by inactivity, and how they differ from fixed-size time windows. Using a clickstream example, it demonstrates capturing user click events, streaming them to Kafka, and counting clicks per user session. The process of creating session windows in Kafka Streams is detailed, including handling late-arriving records and merging windows. The session window's behavior is illustrated with examples, highlighting its application in user behavior analysis.

What is a session in the context of session windows?

How do session windows differ from fixed size time-based windows?

What assumptions can be made to define a user session?

What is the significance of the idle time in defining a session?

Explain the process of creating a session window in Kafka.

What happens when a new message arrives in Kafka regarding session windows?

How does Kafka handle late arriving records in session windows?

Describe the merging process of session windows in Kafka.

Summarize the key differences between session windows and other window types.

What are the implications of having varying lengths of session windows?